'Bows starting over as far as pitching is concerned

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

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Cal State Northridge (2-1) vs. Hawai'i (0-3) WHEN: 6:35 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday, 1:05 p.m. Sunday WHERE: Les Murakami Stadium TICKETS: $6 blue and orange sections; $5 adults in red section, $4 for 65 and older, $3 for students ages 4-18 and UH students. PARKING: $3 RADIO: KKEA AM 1420 will broadcast tomorrow's and Saturday's games live. TV: KFVE channel 5 will broadcast tomorrow's and Sunday's games live. PROBABLE STARTERS: Friday — CSUN RH Peter Eberhardt (0-1, 11.25) vs. UH RH Clary Carlsen (0-1, 6.23) Saturday — CSUN LH Kyle Jean (0-0, 40.50) vs. UH RH Ricky Bauer (0-1, 10.80) Sunday — CSUN RH Craig Baker (0-0, 9.00) vs. UH RH Steven Wright (0-0, 3.00) SERIES: CSUN leads the series, 19-11.

The Rainbows (0-3) were swept by Texas to open the season last weekend.

Hawai'i coach Mike Trapasso said right-hander Clary Carlsen will make his starting debut in tomorrow's series opener, while last week's Friday starter, Ricky Bauer will move to Saturday, and freshman Steven Wright will start Sunday.

"We think it's a better fit for him," Trapasso said of switching Bauer to Saturday.

Carlsen (0-1) made 23 appearances last year, all in relief, and finished 4-3 with five saves and a 2.08 earned run average. He held Texas to one run in his first four innings of relief before a passed ball/error paved the way for a four-run 11th inning in which he was charged with three runs.

Carlsen had been pegged as a multi-purpose pitcher who could spot start, long relief or close.

Wright, drafted in the 26th round by the San Diego Padres out of high school, allowed a run in three relief innings against Texas in Friday's opener. Trapasso said Wright has been showing command of his pitches.

The moves put last Saturday's starter Rich Olsen and last Sunday's starter Keahi Rawlins in the bullpen. Trapasso added that Guy McDowell, Stephen Bryant and Darrell Fisherbaugh also could be used out of the bullpen.

No changes are anticipated at the positions.

Although Robbie Wilder's hamstring isn't fully healed, he is expected to start in center with Jaziel Mendoza in left and Josh Green in right. Greg Kish is also available.

Green was the hottest Rainbow in the Texas series, batting 6 for 13 with a home run and three RBIs. His home run Friday landed on the road behind the original right-field wall.

The infield will be intact with Andrew Sansaver at first, Isaac Omura at second, Brian Finegan at shortstop and Rocky Russo at third.

Omura was replaced by Andrew Castillo in Sunday's game for playing "tentative," Trapasso said, but will be back in the lineup.

Matt Inouye will catch and Nate Thurber will DH.

The Rainbows had problems bunting last week, whether it was to advance the runner or drag their way on. They have been doing extra bunting drills this week, Trapasso said.

The batting order may change during the series.

"The first three or four series, we'll tinker with the lineups," Trapasso said.

Cal State Northridge, picked to finish seventh in the eight-team Big West, won two of three against the San Diego Toreros in a split-site series.

The Toreros won the opener at home before dropping the next two at the Matadors' home, including a 24-14 trouncing.

The Matadors hit 10 home runs — all at home — with no doubles, a telling sign of Matador Field.

Catcher Alberto Quintana (.800), outfielder John Voita (.364) and third baseman Mark McCauley (.357) each has six RBIs to lead the team.

CSUN is scheduled to start right-hander Peter Eberhardt (0-1, 11.25) tomorrow, left-hander Kyle Jean (0-0, 40.50) and right-hander Craig Baker (0-0, 9.00).

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8042.